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KUCHING (Jan 27): Sarawak’s ambition to establish its own airline is set to take flight soon, as the acquisition of MASwings from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is expected to be finalised before Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg shared this significant update in his Chinese New Year 2025 message. The Premier highlighted that the evaluation process for the acquisition had been completed, paving the way for the signing of the agreement.
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“With a business model tailored for Sarawak’s needs and the construction of a new ultra-modern international airport in Kuching, I am confident that we can develop the new airline as a competitive regional carrier, making Kuching a key aviation hub,” said Abang Johari.
Transforming Sarawak’s Economy Through Strategic Initiatives
The Premier also emphasised Sarawak’s recent economic milestones. On Jan 14, the first shipment of methanol products from Bintulu to China marked a new chapter in the state’s journey toward industrial development. This achievement was spearheaded by Sarawak Petchem, a wholly-owned Sarawak entity, which established a state-of-the-art methanol plant in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu.
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“This is the first step towards utilising our gas resources as feedstock to produce higher-value products and generate power to stimulate our economy,” he said.
Abang Johari noted that exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) without domestic processing represents a loss of potential benefits for Sarawak. The state’s focus is now on using its gas resources to develop a robust downstream industry, creating high-paying jobs and stimulating the local economy.
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Green Methanol and Energy Advancements
On the same day as the methanol shipment, the Premier officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for a second plant dedicated to producing green methanol. Located adjacent to the first plant in Tanjung Kidurong, this new facility underscores the Sarawak government’s commitment to sustainable energy and value-added production.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government’s efforts to leverage natural gas for power generation were further highlighted with the development of a RM2 billion combined-cycle gas turbine 500MW power plant in Miri. Operated by Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), this project is a testament to Sarawak’s determination to harness its gas resources for industrial use and export.
A Comprehensive Gas Roadmap
Sarawak’s gas industry development is not limited to the northern region. The Premier revealed plans to channel natural gas to a terminal at the proposed deep-sea port in Tanjung Embang near Kuching.
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“Although our gas has been exported for over 40 years, it is not too late for Sarawak to develop its domestic gas industry and reap the benefits of value-added products and services,” he said.
PCDS 2030: Steering Sarawak Towards High-Income Status
The Premier credited the Sarawak Economic Action Council (SEAC) for its pivotal role in formulating the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. The strategy is anchored on three foundational pillars: economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
“Sarawak has structured a concrete plan to become a developed, high-income region by 2030. This has drawn interest from other state governments and international entities keen to learn from our approach,” said Abang Johari.
Conclusion
With initiatives like the MASwings acquisition, the development of domestic gas industries, and the implementation of PCDS 2030, Sarawak is charting a path toward economic transformation. As the state moves closer to achieving high-income status, these strategic efforts will ensure sustainable growth for generations to come.